Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Former England star and Dubai Sharks director of rugby Dylan Hartley, left, with Taif Al Delamie, head of physical performance, Aviv Clinics Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

'I turned up virtually broken’: Dylan Hartley on pioneering head injury treatment in Dubai


Paul Radley
  • English
  • Arabic

The sleek and minimalist lobby of Aviv Clinics in Jumeirah Lakes Towers could barely be any different to the average rugby dressing room, but Dylan Hartley appears perfectly at home.

The former England captain breezes through the reception area, trading hugs and handshakes with staff and patients alike, as if they are all part of his team.

He bounds over and introduces himself warmly, then seeks out a room to explain in depth what has brought him here.

There is a reason he feels so at ease with the place. Hartley recently completed three months of therapy at the clinic, which included two-hour sessions, five days per week.

He is excited to report the positive effects the treatment has had on him and hopes it can become a mandatory – or at least optional – part of aftercare for ex-sports players living with the effects of head injuries.

So enthused by it has he been, towards the end of the interview he looks down at the voice recorder and jokes: “You wouldn’t need one of those if you had this treatment.”

Hartley’s course included oxygen therapy sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, a treatment which has been proved to rebuild tissue to halt mental decline, improving alertness and physical performance.

He was approached about trying the treatment after arriving in the UAE last year to dovetail coaching Dubai Sharks with working for Access Hire.

“When I retired, I was on a mission to put myself back together, like Humpty Dumpty,” Hartley, 37, said. “I was a bit bashed up and there were things that needed doing.”

He underwent three days of assessments, after which a programme of treatment was prepared.

“It was like the exit medical I needed from professional rugby that I didn’t get, because there is no aftercare in the game,” he said.

“This is like the professional environment I was used to in rugby. I got everything I needed. To fast forward [to the conclusion of the three months of therapy], subjectively I was walking around fine.

“I was telling them I felt great. But it wasn’t until I had my post analysis, did the same tests again and got the metrics and data back which showed a significant improvement.

“That is not subjective. It is black and white.”

Among the results Hartley were presented with were a 91 per cent improvement in cognitive endurance and a 38 per cent improvement in auditory processing.

“I thought, ‘I’m superhuman now,’” he said. “They said, ‘No, that’s how far behind you were.’”

Hartley ended his illustrious career in professional rugby in 2019 because of a knee injury. He also had lasting damage to his hip and head.

The latter was what caused him the greatest concern given an increasing understanding about the effects of repeated traumatic brain injuries.

He said he was living with symptoms which included unreasonable irritability, fatigue, a short concentration span, as well as slurred speech which affected his work as a pundit.

Dylan Hartley has seen considerable improvement in his overall health after receiving treatment for head injury at Aviv Clinics Dubai in JLT, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Dylan Hartley has seen considerable improvement in his overall health after receiving treatment for head injury at Aviv Clinics Dubai in JLT, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

“I used to lay there at night thinking about it,” Hartley said. “I used to lay there thinking about when I was going to decline.

“It was going on all around me. I would go on social media and see my friends, and it felt like it was just a waiting game.

“It was public that I had a lot of concussion. It is not like I played for 15 years of rugby and I just got through. I had a lot of concussion so I knew I had put myself in a position to get ‘the sick’. It is not good.”

The parallels between Hartley and Steve Thompson are uncanny. Both played the same position for Northampton Saints and England, both enjoying a significant level of success.

Thompson was even a resident of Dubai after his own playing days ended, in the same way Hartley has subsequently become.

Thompson is living with early-onset dementia and is part of a group of ex-players seeking redress from the sport due to the effects of head injuries.

Given the similarities in both their career paths and abrasive playing styles, it is no surprise Hartley wondered whether a similar fate would befall him.

“We have had different careers – he was far more successful than me,” Hartley said of Thompson.

“He was a British & Irish Lion. He won the World Cup. He is an absolute legend.

“I respect what they [the group of ex-players bringing the class action lawsuit against the sport] are doing. They are doing what is right for them. Their situations are different.

“Mine is one I have created for myself in terms of alternative treatments. All I want from this is, if I can go through this and show any sort of improvement – and my improvement has been significant – then I can show those people an alternative treatment.

“What I am trying to do is educate people on what we have here. It is not going to be right for 100 per cent of people, but it might help some people.

“If I can fix myself and send the message, then I feel like my job is done.”

Hartley felt so good about the recuperative effects of his treatment that he even underwent hip replacement surgery a third of the way through his treatment programme.

He did not miss a session. Within a week the wound had healed, and he was back exercising – comfortably – within two.

His recovery and progress was particularly quick, according to Taif Al Delamie, the head of physical performance at Aviv Clinics.

He acknowledged that Hartley’s age and background in pro-sport will have aided the recovery but is sure the hyperbaric therapy helped expedite it, too.

“We see a lot of people in the programme post surgery, because it helps with the healing process, reducing inflammation, and providing oxygen-rich plasma to the injured tissue,” Al Delamie said.

“As he was already in the programme, he had a head start in these processes.”

  • Dubai Sharks's new director of rugby Dylan Hartley during a team session at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks's new director of rugby Dylan Hartley during a team session at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, director of rugby Dylan Hartley, centre, and head coach Matthew Pewtner at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, director of rugby Dylan Hartley, centre, and head coach Matthew Pewtner at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players during training at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players during training at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players train at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players train at Dubai Sports City. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, with Dylan Hartley. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks forwards coach Josh Ives, left, with Dylan Hartley. Victor Besa / The National
  • Dubai Sharks players and coaches during training. Victor Besa / The National
    Dubai Sharks players and coaches during training. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sharks women’s team coach Christelene Steinhobel. Victor Besa / The National
    Sharks women’s team coach Christelene Steinhobel. Victor Besa / The National
  • Head coach Matthew Pewtner during training. Victor Besa / The National
    Head coach Matthew Pewtner during training. Victor Besa / The National

Al Delamie was the person who first contacted Hartley about the treatment offered at the clinic.

Coincidentally, he had his own amateur rugby career – which saw him play for Jebel Ali Dragons and captain the region’s representative side – ended by concussion.

Hartley hopes more people can benefit from the therapy he has undergone.

“I turned up here virtually broken,” Hartley said. “I was the captain of my country, captain of my club where I played for 15 years, and there is no after care.

“I think there should be a basic level of responsibility on the organisations to a player who has given everything.

“Yes, we get paid well, and we get the glory, and it is an honour to play. It is a privilege. But there should be a basic level of responsibility to get a player back to be a civilian.

“What I want to do for my game and my community in rugby is make this available for them.

“I have talked to England Rugby, I have talked to World Rugby. Conversations have been slow. I went along thinking, ‘Hey, look at my results, everyone be excited.’

“But they are dealing with so many things, they are putting it in their to-do list. I was thinking people would be jumping at the chance for any solution.

“That gut feeling I had is gone [for me]. I sleep a lot better because my hip is good and my head is good.

“There are small things, too. Like family time. I don’t have that constant concern that I am going to deteriorate. Or at least not too soon. We all deteriorate one day, then I’ll come back here for a top up!”

Fast%20X
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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The biog

Age: 32

Qualifications: Diploma in engineering from TSI Technical Institute, bachelor’s degree in accounting from Dubai’s Al Ghurair University, master’s degree in human resources from Abu Dhabi University, currently third years PHD in strategy of human resources.

Favourite mountain range: The Himalayas

Favourite experience: Two months trekking in Alaska

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

GULF MEN'S LEAGUE

Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2

Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers

 

Opening fixtures

Thursday, December 5

6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles

7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers

7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles

7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2

 

Recent winners

2018 Dubai Hurricanes

2017 Dubai Exiles

2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE v IRELAND

All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi

1st ODI, Friday, January 8

2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10

3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12

4th ODI, Thursday, January 14

Scores

Rajasthan Royals 160-8 (20 ov)

Kolkata Knight Riders 163-3 (18.5 ov)

Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

Employees: 150

Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

Oppenheimer
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Nolan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ECillian%20Murphy%2C%20Emily%20Blunt%2C%20Robert%20Downey%20Jr%2C%20Florence%20Pugh%2C%20Matt%20Damon%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E5%2F5%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20CarbonSifr%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202022%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Onur%20Elgun%2C%20Mustafa%20Bosca%20and%20Muhammed%20Yildirim%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Climate%20tech%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%241%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Healthcare spending to double to $2.2 trillion rupees

Launched a 641billion-rupee federal health scheme

Allotted 200 billion rupees for the recapitalisation of state-run banks

Around 1.75 trillion rupees allotted for privatisation and stake sales in state-owned assets

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
Points to remember
  • Debate the issue, don't attack the person
  • Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
  • Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
  • Listen actively without interrupting
  • Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions

Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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WE%20NO%20LONGER%20PREFER%20MOUNTAINS
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Updated: June 15, 2023, 5:51 AM